Chancellor Merkel's visit to China marks a fruitful cooperation between German industries and Chinese partners.

Positive relations between the two nations are of central importance to the global economic network. Though Germany is already the largest EU trading partner with China, Sino-German alliances continue to grow.

A spring 2010 survey by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce shows a majority of German companies are considering Chinese investments.

Further - according to German companies already investing abroad - the number of corporations planning to enter the Chinese market is up by 5 percent over last year.

At 92 billion euros ($117 billion) the Sino-German trade volume exceeded China's total trade volume with Britain, France and Italy in 2009, according to the German Federal Statistical Office.

Last year, China imported 36.5 billion euros ($46.4 billion) in German goods and exported 55.4 billion euros ($70.5 billion) to the country - creating a 19 billion euros ($24.2 billion) trade surplus.

From January to April 2010, trade volume grew by 34 percent over the same period in 2009.

The global crisis has spurred the Chinese industry's move towards resource conservation and energy efficient production. German companies contribute significantly to the acceleration of this process with their portfolios of customized solutions and smart products.

In the past three decades, German enterprises have fortified China's economic growth through investments, employee training, premium products and the reliable execution of advanced technology projects.

New companies in China accommodate increasing demand for quality products, smart solutions and sophisticated services - in line with movements towards a low carbon economy.

Improvements in the Chinese health care system foretell increased cooperation with German enterprises specializing in medical technology, hospital administration and rehabilitation.

The automotive market - a focus industry for Germany - will continue its upswing in China with an expected average annual growth rate of 10-15 percent.

High demand for low-emission automobiles brings new opportunities for eco-friendly Sino-German collaboration.

Good Corporate Citizens

German enterprises, their employees and partners create value for China. And as responsible corporate citizens, we contribute to the economic success of the Chinese marketplace.

The Chinese government has repeatedly emphasized a balanced treatment of domestic and foreign enterprises - a crucial prerequisite for successful international cooperation.

Likewise, the German Chamber of Commerce in China supports calls by the Chinese government for transparent and open markets worldwide. Such calls are especially relevant to small and mid sized German enterprises. German SMEs - global innovators and leaders in their respective industries - are the backbone of the German economy. They have teamed up with the Chinese to lead the way in development and production.

Fair market conditions, transparency and legislative predictability are paramount to a sustainable and harmonious Chinese society - as well as to positive foreign relations. China and Germany are set to continue their shared journey to success.

The author Jutta Ludwig is executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce in Beijing.